Dry ice vaporizing device and method

ABSTRACT

A dry ice vaporizing device includes: a container having a vapor permeable surface and a closeable entrance configured to be locked closed, an external implement configured to unlock the closeable entrance, and dry ice located inside the container. The vapor permeable surface includes a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm. The container is configured, when the closeable entrance is locked closed, to prevent the passage of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/386,527, filed Apr. 20, 2009, entitled “Dry Ice Dispenser,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/204,258, filed Jan. 6, 2009, entitled “Method, process and associated apparatus for the safe dispensation of dry ice in food applications,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to the field of safe dispensation of dry ice in food applications. Dry ice can be used to create a visual fog effect using fluid. Dry ice can be hazardous and cause injury if handled incorrectly or ingested. Dry ice can cause frostbite and asphyxiation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This application aims to solve safety issues related to the dispensation of dry ice in food applications for creating a visual fog effect while reducing the risk of dry ice coming into contact with the skin of the server or being accidentally swallowed by the consumer and causing frostbite. It is also designed to increase the rate of consumption of food and beverages by creating greater demand and by creating a perception that a food serving has lost some utility once the visual fog effect is over. This perceived loss of utility might encourage the consumer to order a replacement.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dry ice vaporizing device comprises: a container comprising a vapor permeable surface and a closeable entrance configured to be locked closed; an external implement configured to unlock the closeable entrance; and dry ice located inside the container, wherein the vapor permeable surface comprises a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm, and wherein the container is configured, when the closeable entrance is locked closed, to prevent the passage of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.

In one aspect, the container comprises a snap buckle comprising a male hook lockable to a female receiver. In one aspect, the external implement comprises an unlocking block comprising: a hitch configured to contact the male hook to thereby unlock the closeable entrance; and a splitter configured to open the closeable entrance.

In one aspect, the device further comprises a handle connected to the container, the handle having a length not shorter than a longest dimension of the container. In one aspect, the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through.

In one aspect, the container is substantially cylindrical and comprises: a first semicylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions; a second semicylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions, the second semicylinder connectable to the first semicylinder so that when the first and second semicylinders are mated they substantially form a cylinder; and a hinge connecting the first and second semicylinders at ends of the first and second semicylinders, wherein at least one of the first and second semicylinders comprises the vapor permeable surface, and wherein the first and second semicylinders are configured to open and close relative to each other via the hinge.

In one aspect, the device further comprises a handle connected to the container, the handle having a length not shorter than a longest dimension of the container, wherein the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of using dry ice comprises: providing a dry ice vaporizing device as described herein; closing and locking the closeable entrance; and submerging the device in a fluid.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dry ice vaporizing device comprises: a container comprising a vapor permeable surface and a closeable entrance configured to be locked closed; a handle connected to the container, the handle having a length not shorter than a longest dimension of the container; and dry ice located inside the container, wherein the vapor permeable surface comprises a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm, and wherein the container is configured, when the closeable entrance is locked closed, to prevent the passage of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.

In one aspect, the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through. In one aspect, the container comprises a snap buckle comprising a male hook lockable to a female receiver.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dry ice vaporizing device comprises: a) a substantially cylindrical container comprising: a first semicylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions; a second semicylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions, the second semicylinder connectable to the first semicylinder so that when the first and second semicylinders are mated they substantially form a cylinder; and a hinge connecting the first and second semicylinders at ends of the first and second semicylinders; and b) dry ice located inside the container, wherein at least one of the first and second semicylinders comprises a vapor permeable surface comprising a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm, wherein the first and second semicylinders are configured to open and close relative to each other via the hinge, wherein the substantially cylindrical container is configured to be locked closed, and wherein the substantially cylindrical container is configured, when it is locked closed, to prevent the passage of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.

In one aspect, the substantially cylindrical container comprises a snap buckle, whereby the second semicylinder comprises a female receiver and the first semicylinder comprises a male hook lockable to the female receiver.

In one aspect, the device further comprises a handle connected to the substantially cylindrical container, the handle having a length not shorter than a longest dimension of the substantially cylindrical container. In one aspect, the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through.

The present invention provides a dry ice container, an entrance to insert the dry ice into the container and a permeable surface wherein during vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor inside the container created by the dry ice and prevents the dry ice from exiting the container.

In one aspect of the invention, the entrance is configured to receive dry ice and securely close. In another aspect of the invention, the container further comprises a lid to close the entrance. In another aspect of the invention, the container further comprises a fastener that functions to ensure the seal of the entrance. In another aspect of the invention, the permeable surface functions to carbonate and cool a fluid outside the container. In another aspect of the invention, the container further comprises a handle that is made of a stick, a chain, a string or a foodstuff.

The present invention also provides a method for dispensing dry ice by providing the invention apparatus, inserting a dry ice into the invention, closing the entrance, and then submerging the invention in a fluid.

The present invention also provides a dry ice dispensing system, comprising a fluid, a fluid container a dry ice supply, a dry ice container, and a permeable surface wherein for a substantial duration of vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor inside the container created by the dry ice and substantially prevents the dry ice from exiting the container.

In another aspect, the dry ice dispensing system further comprises an automation apparatus configured to insert the dry ice into the container entrance and close the container entrance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment with the entrance open.

FIG. 1 b shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment with the entrance closed.

FIG. 2 a shows a perspective view of a dry ice dispensing system with the entrance open.

FIG. 2 b shows a perspective view of a dry ice dispensing system with the entrance closed and submerged in a fluid.

FIG. 3 a shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional flap and the entrance open.

FIG. 3 b shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional flap and the entrance substantially closed.

FIG. 4 a shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional flexible arm and fastener and with the entrance open.

FIG. 4 b shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional flexible arm and fastener and with the entrance closed.

FIG. 5 a shows a perspective view of another embodiment with the entrance open.

FIG. 5 b shows a perspective view of another embodiment with the entrance pinched closed.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with a cover attached to an axle.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with a cover attached to a hinge.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional chain.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment with an additional tube.

FIG. 10 a shows a perspective view of another embodiment with a snap buckle and the entrance open.

FIG. 10 b shows a perspective view of another embodiment with a snap buckle and the entrance closed.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an accessory channel or unlocking block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the use of “a”, “an”, or “the” can refer to the plural. All examples given are for clarification only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, an embodiment of a dry ice dispenser or dry ice vaporizing device includes: a dry ice container 101 that comprises a permeable surface 107 such that there are a plurality of holes 102 in the dry ice container 101. The shape of the dry ice container 101 may be cylindrical, rectangular, or may be shaped to resemble a figure or icon that may be used to create a marketing message. For example, dry ice container 101 may take shapes and forms to resemble corporate logos, trademarked characters (Mickey Mouse™) and retail products (such as a baseball). The container 101 may comprise plastic, metal, glass, wood, or edible material.

The holes 102 may be circular, oval, square, or any other shape. Preferably, the permeable surface 107 is configured to allow the passage of vapor or gas from sublimation of dry ice. Dry ice can cause serious freeze burns to human skin. However, very small pieces of dry ice will generally not cause pain or damage to skin because the pieces fully sublime or gasify before substantial cooling is done to the skin. For instance, a sphere of dry ice having a diameter of less than 1 mm will generally not cause harm to a human. In one embodiment, the holes 102 each have a hole dimension or diameter sufficiently small such that any dry ice pieces that are capable of passing through the permeable surface 107 will not cause serious harm or burn risk to a human. There may be at least one to 120 holes 102 in the permeable surface 107 of container 101. The individual holes 102 may have areas of between 1 mm² to 4 mm², more preferably 2 mm² to 3 mm², or have dimensions or diameters of between approximately 1 and 4 mm, more preferably between approximately 2 and 3 mm, so as to prevent a potentially hazardous amount of dry ice from exiting the dry ice container 101.

The dry ice container 101 has a closeable entrance 105 where dry ice may be inserted and sealed closed. FIG. 1 a shows the closeable entrance 105 open and FIG. 1 b shows the closeable entrance 105 closed, making use of a hinge 103, although the closeable entrance 105 may open and close without a hinge 103. Additionally this embodiment may include a handle 104. The handle 104 may be straight and long, and may have a length that meets or exceeds a largest dimension or length of the container 101. The handle 104 may be accessorized with a multitude of elements 106 that may include decorative elements, foodstuff elements (e.g., hard candy), lighting elements (e.g., LEDs), text elements (e.g., “Happy Anniversary”), or marketing materials (e.g., signage displaying corporate slogans).

In operation the closeable entrance 105 would be opened allowing a piece of dry ice to be inserted inside the dry ice container 101. The closeable entrance 105 would then be securely closed and thereby allow the safe dispensation of dry ice into a food application.

Referring to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, an embodiment of a dry ice vaporizing device or dispensing system includes: dry ice 201 contained inside a dry ice container 101 that is submerged in a fluid 203 that is contained inside a fluid container 202 (such as a drinking glass or a bowl). FIG. 2 a shows the dry ice 201 inside the dry ice container 101 and FIG. 2 b shows the dry ice container 101 submerged in the fluid 203. When the dry ice container 101 is submerged in the fluid 203, the permeable surface 107 allows the fluid 203 to flow into the dry ice container 101 and interact with the dry ice 201 and create vapor. The vapor exits the dry ice container 101 via the permeable surface 107 and mixes with the fluid 203. Some of the vapor will dissolve into the fluid 203 creating carbonic acid, effectively carbonating the fluid. Since vapor gas is less dense than fluid 203, a majority of the vapor will rise to the top surface of the fluid 203. When the vapor rises to this level a visual fog effect results. The fluid 203 chosen may be of any kind of fluid preferably with a high water content, such as juices, sodas, alcoholic beverages, etc. Since dry ice 201 has a temperature of approximately −78.5° C. the fluid 203 that comes in contact with the dry ice 201 may be cooled.

The container 101 may be substantially cylindrical and may comprise a first semicylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions (e.g., the upper semicylinder in FIG. 1 b) and a second semicylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions (e.g., the lower semicylinder in FIG. 1 b), the second semicylinder connectable to the first semicylinder so that when the first and second semicylinders are mated they substantially form a cylinder (as shown in FIG. 1 b). Hinge 103 connects the first and second semicylinders at ends of the first and second semicylinders, such that the first and second semicylinders are configured to open and close relative to each other via the hinge 103.

Referring to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, in another embodiment dry ice container 301 comprises a vapor permeable surface 302, which comprises a plurality of holes 303 each having a hole dimension or diameter less than approximately 4 mm, or any other dimension disclosed herein for holes of a permeable surface. The container 301 has an adhesive surface 305 that surrounds closeable entrance 304, into which dry ice may be inserted. The closeable entrance 304 may be sealed with a flap or patch 306. The flap 306 may comprise a flexible material that seals well, such as plastic, foam, aluminum foil, or laminated cardboard, although any flexible material known in the art is within the scope of the present invention. The flap 306 may adhere to the adhesive surface 305 using adhesives, high temperature bonding, zip lock bond, or any other method known in the art. FIG. 3 b shows the flap 306 mid way to sealing the closeable entrance 304.

Referring to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, in another embodiment dry ice container 301 has a flexible arm 401 that is attached to lid 402. The lid 402 may securely seal the closeable entrance 304 using a fastener, such as a zip tie. The fastener may comprise a gear rack 403 and ratchet 404. Preferably the ratchet 404 is configured for linear movement of the gear rack 403 in one direction. All the elements including the dry ice container 301, flexible arm 401, lid 402, and fastener may be manufactured as a single component and may comprise plastic. FIG. 4 b shows the closeable entrance 304 sealed by the lid 402 while the flexible arm 401 is still attached to both the dry ice container 301 and lid 402. FIG. 4 b also shows the gear rack 403 pulled through the ratchet 404 thus securely closing and locking the entrance 304.

Referring to FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, in another embodiment dry ice container 301 comprises a flexible material such that the closeable entrance 304 may be filled with dry ice 201 and then pinched closed and sealed permanently. FIG. 5 b shows the closeable entrance 304 pinched closed in a seal 501. The seal 501 may be achieved using adhesives, high temperature bonding, or zip lock bond. The container 301 in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b could be like a tube of toothpaste. After it is filled with dry ice 201, it can be pinched closed and sealed. It is a one-time use and a disposable item.

Referring to FIG. 6, in another embodiment dry ice container 301 has a closeable entrance 304 that is closed using a disc 601 that may rotate on an axle 602 that is attached to the dry ice container 301. The disc 601 may rotate about an axis that is parallel to the length of container 301, and may significantly or fully cover the surface area of the closeable entrance 304.

Referring to FIG. 7, in another embodiment, dry ice container 301 has a closeable entrance 304 that is closed using a cover 701 that is attached to a hinge 702. The hinge 702 is attached to both the container 301 and the cover 701.

Referring to FIG. 8, in another embodiment dry ice container 301 is attached to a chain 801 that is further attached to an anchor 802. The anchor 802 may function to allow the chain 801 to drape over the edge of a container without falling. The chain 801 and anchor 802 may comprise materials such as metal, plastic, or fibers. In operation, chain 801 may function as a decorative element and can be further decorated (e.g., beads, jewelry, LEDs or marketing signage).

Referring to FIG. 9, in another embodiment dry ice container 301 is attached to a hollow tube 901. The tube 901 may pierce the container 301, thus providing an exit for vapor inside the container 301. The tube 901 could also be configured not to pierce the container 301 and instead run along the side of the container 301, thus allowing the tube 901 to function as a drinking straw. The tube 901 may serve to provide an exit for vapor, to thus release vapor from a tube in an aesthetically pleasing way. The container 301 may or may not have the shape of a cylinder or semicylinder.

Referring to FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, in another embodiment similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, the dry ice container 101 has a snap buckle feature comprising female receiver 1001 and male hook 1002 counterparts. FIG. 10 b shows the female receiver 1001 and male hook 1002 mated together securely, thus closing and locking the container 101. When mated, preferably the male hook 1002 pierces the female receiver 1001 such that it protrudes on the opposite end of the female receiver 1001, thus allowing the pair to be unmated by exerting force on the exposed protruding surface area of the male hook 1002. In FIG. 10 b the exposed surface area of the mated male hook 1002 preferably may be between 1 mm² to 25 mm². FIG. 10 b depicts the mated position with the male hook 1002 inside the female receiver 1001, with the exposed area of the mated male hook 1002 preferably at a depth inside the female receiver 1001 between approximately 0.5 and 5 mm. The mated female receiver 1001 and male hook 1002 preferably may be configured such that they cannot be un-mated by human fingers, in which case a block 1101 (described with regard to FIG. 11) may be necessary. The present invention includes an embodiment in which the dry ice container 101 is lockable and requires an external implement (other than a human hand) to unlock the closeable entrance, such as a key, an unlocking block 1101 (shown in FIG. 11), and so forth.

Referring to FIG. 11, an accessory to the dry ice container 101 shown in FIG. 10 a may be an unlocking block 1101. The unlocking block 1101 functions to un-mate dry ice containers 101 where female receivers 1001 and male hooks 1002 are actively mated. The unlocking block 1101 may be mounted to a counter or desktop workspace surface area using double sided tape, glue, nails, or screws. The unlocking block 1101 comprises a channel 1102 that is configured to allow a dry ice container 101 to move along inside the channel 1102 in a bi-directional manner. The channel 1102 may be configured to lay horizontal, vertical, or diagonal to the unlocking block 1101. The channel 1102 may comprise a set of rails 1103. The rails 1103 are configured to mate with the dry ice container 101 and guide the dry ice container 101 through the channel 1102.

The channel 1102 also comprises a hitch 1104. The hitch 1104 is configured to make contact with the exposed surface area of the male hook 1002 (as described with reference to FIG. 10 b). In operation the hitch 1104 opposes the force of the dry ice container 101 moving along the channel 1102 and un-mates the male hook 1002 from the female receiver 1001.

The channel 1102 also comprises a splitter 1105. The splitter 1105 is configured to expand the gap between the male hook 1002 and female receiver 1001. In operation the splitter 1105 makes contact with the dry ice container 101 where the male hook 1002 and female receiver 1001 meet and opposes the force of the dry ice container 101 moving along the channel 1102 thereby expanding the gap between the male hook 1002 and female receiver 1001.

An advantage of the embodiments shown is that the dry ice container 101, 301 may contain dry ice 201 and create a visual fog effect while reducing the risk of dry ice coming into contact with the skin of the server or being accidentally swallowed by the consumer and causing frostbite.

The container 101, 301 containing dry ice 201 may be submerged in a fluid, allowing the dry ice to sublime and its vapors to bubble up through the fluid. If the fluid is noncarbonated, this process may carbonate the fluid. Further, the cool carbon dioxide bubbles may reduce the fluid's temperature.

The various aspects of the embodiments shown in the drawings may be mixed and matched as desired, where possible. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to only those embodiments shown. For example, the container 101, 301 may comprise three or more modular pieces that join together to comprise a container. For another example, the container 101, 301 and handle 104 may comprise any edible substance, such as hard candy, chocolate, or cookie. For another example, the handle 104 may comprise a string, chain, wire, or cable. For another example, the holes 102, 303 may be configured to display a textual image, for example where the holes 102, 303 form a mosaic pattern that resembles text, or where the holes 102, 303 are extruded in such a way that it engraves a design that resembles text. 

1. A dry ice vaporizing device, comprising: a container comprising a vapor permeable surface and a closeable entrance configured to be locked closed; an external implement configured to unlock the closeable entrance; and dry ice located inside the container, wherein the vapor permeable surface comprises a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm, and wherein the container is configured, when the closeable entrance is locked closed, to prevent the passage of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.
 2. The dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container comprises a snap buckle comprising a male hook lockable to a female receiver.
 3. The dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the external implement comprises an unlocking block comprising: a hitch configured to contact the male hook to thereby unlock the closeable entrance; and a splitter configured to open the closeable entrance.
 4. The dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a handle connected to the container, the handle having a length not shorter than a longest dimension of the container.
 5. The dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through.
 6. The dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container is substantially cylindrical and comprises: a first semicylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions; a second semicylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions, the second semicylinder connectable to the first semicylinder so that when the first and second semicylinders are mated they substantially form a cylinder; and a hinge connecting the first and second semicylinders at ends of the first and second semicylinders, wherein at least one of the first and second semicylinders comprises the vapor permeable surface, and wherein the first and second semicylinders are configured to open and close relative to each other via the hinge.
 7. The dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a handle connected to the container, the handle having a length not shorter than a longest dimension of the container, wherein the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through.
 8. A method of using dry ice, comprising: providing the dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 1; closing and locking the closeable entrance; and submerging the device in a fluid.
 9. A dry ice vaporizing device, comprising: a container comprising a vapor permeable surface and a closeable entrance configured to be locked closed; a handle connected to the container, the handle having a length not shorter than a longest dimension of the container; and dry ice located inside the container, wherein the vapor permeable surface comprises a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm, and wherein the container is configured, when the closeable entrance is locked closed, to prevent the passage of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.
 10. The dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through.
 11. The dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the container comprises a snap buckle comprising a male hook lockable to a female receiver.
 12. A method of using dry ice, comprising: providing the dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 9; closing and locking the closeable entrance; and submerging the device in a fluid.
 13. A dry ice vaporizing device, comprising: a) a substantially cylindrical container comprising: a first semicylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions; a second semicylinder comprising a rounded portion and two end portions, the second semicylinder connectable to the first semicylinder so that when the first and second semicylinders are mated they substantially form a cylinder; and a hinge connecting the first and second semicylinders at ends of the first and second semicylinders; and b) dry ice located inside the container, wherein at least one of the first and second semicylinders comprises a vapor permeable surface comprising a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm, wherein the first and second semicylinders are configured to open and close relative to each other via the hinge, wherein the substantially cylindrical container is configured to be locked closed, and wherein the substantially cylindrical container is configured, when it is locked closed, to prevent the passage of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.
 14. The dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the substantially cylindrical container comprises a snap buckle, whereby the second semicylinder comprises a female receiver and the first semicylinder comprises a male hook lockable to the female receiver.
 15. The dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a handle connected to the substantially cylindrical container, the handle having a length not shorter than a longest dimension of the substantially cylindrical container.
 16. The dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the handle comprises a hollow tube configured to allow liquid to pass through.
 17. A method of using dry ice, comprising: providing the dry ice vaporizing device as claimed in claim 13; closing and locking the substantially cylindrical container; and submerging the device in a fluid. 